GARY McSheffrey today admitted he was relishing the prospect of Blues' next three friendlies before the Premier League season gets under way.

GARY McSheffrey today admitted he was relishing the prospect of Blues' next three friendlies before the Premier League season gets under way.

Blues go to Walsall on Saturday, then visit Peterborough United (Tuesday) and Sheffield Wednesday (a week on Saturday).

The three-game tour to Germany served a purpose, said McSheffrey, but it wasn't until the last game at FC Schweinfurt that he felt extended.

"It seemed a better occasion to play football than the previous two games," said McSheffrey, who opened his account with a straightforward goal in the 5-2 victory. "The pitch was better and with the rain it was a bit zippy too.

"It was a nice scenario to play in.

"We played with a tempo and created some good chances. It got a bit nitty gritty at times, the tackles were flying in. They were dishing it out, we were dishing it out. It was more enjoyable.

"The previous two matches were like training exercises, we were keeping the ball to a degree and there was a lower tempo.

"To be honest, they were just like practice games. The way they are in Germany and on the continent, it's more about keeping possession and a slower game.

"That's why the battles we're going to be having in the next two weeks are going to be good for us.

"I think we will probably benefit more from playing against the better-quality opposition that's coming up.

"Against Walsall, Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday the tempo will change, it will probably be 100mph, more physical and that's what we've got to prepare ourselves for. These are the sort of games we need now."

McSheffrey added: "For ten days, the tour did drag on a bit. It would have been just as beneficial having had three games in a week and then training at Wast Hills at home the last couple of days.

"But I suppose we were out there with an objective to get fit without any distractions, focus on our training, and bring the squad together.